Immune System Blood Cell Is a Potential Marker for Sinus Polyp Regrowth

Report shows that a simple blood test may be developed to screen for early growth of polyps in sinus disease.

Researcher at Johns Hopkins Medicine have found a reliable and easy way to track the course of nasal polyps in chronic sinus disease. By tracking the levels of immune system white blood cells, or eosinophils, with the regrowth of polyps removed by surgery, they may soon be able to help patients.

The findings were reported online in the International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology. Eventually the simple blood test may be able to not only look for early growth of polyps in sinus disease, but to track disease progression and develop and monitor treatments for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis. This is a common, but troublesome condition.

A simple blood test would provide an additional way to monitor disease progression.

According to Jean Kim, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, “doctors don't have a single test or biomarker for detecting and tracking sinus-related diseases.”

According to the researcher, “A simple blood test would provide an additional way to monitor disease progression, in addition to endoscopies and CT scans for people with symptoms that may enable the ability to screen for sinus disease with nasal polyposis at a primary care facility.”

The researcher added that a specialist would need to confirm the presence of nasal and sinus polyps using a nasal endoscopy and/or CT scan. Kim also stated that the research does not show whether rising numbers of eosinophils can actually predict the size of nasal polyps.

About 29 million people in the U.S. suffer from chronic rhinosinusitis.

Chronic rhinosinusitis is a chronic state of inflammation and swelling of the sinus and nasal passages. Eventually, patients develop teardrop-shaped growths of unhealthy sinus and nasal tissue, called polyps that lead to severe inflammation, congestion, drippy postnasal discharge and excessive mucus. This sometimes leads to worsening asthma or asthma-like symptoms.

The information provided on NoseJob.org is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient/site visitor and his/her health professional. This information is solely for informational purposes and does not constitute the practice of medicine. We encourage all visitors to see a licensed physician or nutritionist if they have any concerns regarding health issues related to diet, personal image and any other topics discussed on this site. Neither the owners or employees of NoseJob.org nor the author(s) of site content take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading this site. Always speak with your primary health care provider before engaging in any form of self treatment. Please see our Legal Statement for further information.